Why does the thunder from lighting last much longer than the flash?

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The flash from lightning is extremely brief, lasting only a fraction of a second, while the sound of thunder can last 5-6 seconds due to the nature of sound propagation. The length of a lightning bolt, which can span miles, means that sound takes longer to reach an observer from different points along the bolt. Additionally, echoes from surrounding landscapes can prolong the sound of thunder, creating multiple paths for the sound waves. The combination of these factors explains why thunder lasts significantly longer than the flash of lightning. Understanding these principles enhances the appreciation of thunderstorms and their dynamics.
cantgetaname
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I was walking home today when I noticed that the flash from a lighting takes a fraction of a second while the sound lasts a good 5-6 seconds.
I couldn't think of an explanation for this, except a wild guess that maybe the source of sound is a line source and sound from different points on the lightning bolt takes different times to reach the observer.
 
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That's most of the answer. Lightning bolts can be miles long. Sound in air needs several seconds to travel a miles-longer path. Another answer depending on your surroundings is the presence of echoes, which create additional paths.
 
Here is a video of an unusual (for southern California) thunderstorm. There are a few instances where you see the flash and hear the thunder. At this particular location, echoes from nearby hills add to the sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46yPXf2DwXc
 
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